hi. I'm getting a loud squeal from the belts in the morning. from what I've read here it seems the belts need tightening. can this be done from the top or do I have to lift the car. thnx

 

Before anything else, make sure you visually inspect the belts. I had the same problem in the mornings/cold/rain and ended up that one of my belts was falling apart!

 

that's good advice. this just started and I'm sure its got something to do w/ some recent cold mornings here in socal. thnx

 

might want to try spraying the belts with belt conditioner that's sold in any auto parts store

 

tried that but it started up again after a week. I replaced both belts and so far no squeal.

 

you need to remove the lower splash guard and tighten the pulley that tensions the serpentine belt. don't let it squeal too long or else you permanently glaze the belt and it will forever squeal till you put a new one on.

 

yeah I ended up replacing them so i wouldn't have to mess w it again for a while. very easy DIY. the old belts were after market and not in bad shape at all in fact they looked new. this is why OEM is best when it comes to belts. thnx for reply guys

 

actually oem is just a rebadge of a big name brand.... like gates, dayco, good year, etc... as long as you keep it tight then no worries.

 

fyi no theyre not rebadged the old belt was a goodyear and it was completely different design. oem was more felty inner lining but the goodyear had bumpy tread design. also, goodyear said made in mexico and oem japan.

 

what i meant was nissan doesn't make belts. another company makes it for them, so it can be manufactured by good year, gates, dayco, etc etc, but branded nissan. the felt lined belts are quieter for sure, the v notch was supppose to last longer then the traditional unlined rubber belts. i personally like the felt lined belts more too.

 

ok. good info. ill buy OEM from now on. I get 25% corporate discount at the dealer so it ends being just a lil higher than a good after market belt. thnx for replyk